ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effects of the Anemarrhenae Rhizoma water extract （AR） on Alzheimer's disease （AD） model rats and to explore its potential underlying mechanisms. MethodsMale rats were intraperitoneally injected with D-galactose （100 mg·kg^-1） for 42 days， and on day 14， 1 μL of β-amyloid （Aβ_25-35， 2 g·L^-1） solution was injected into the hippocampus. Rats were randomly divided into a model group， low-dose AR （0.6 g·kg^-1）， medium-dose AR （1.2 g·kg^-1）， high-dose AR （2.4 g·kg^-1）， and a positive control group （donepezil， 5 mg·kg^-1）. Healthy rats receiving only a hippocampal injection of 1 μL of sterile saline served as the sham-operated group. From day 21， rats in the treatment groups were administered the corresponding drugs by gavage once daily for 21 consecutive days， while the blank control and model groups received an equal volume of saline. Learning and memory abilities were assessed using the Morris water maze. Brain tissue damage was observed by hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining， and neuronal apoptosis was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling （TUNEL） staining. Levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， and interleukin-10 （IL-10） in brain tissues were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. BV2 microglial cells were co-cultured with Aβ_25-35 （40 μmol·L^-1） for 2 h， and cell viability was determined by the CCK-8 assay to screen the optimal concentration of AR-containing serum （S-AR）. Cells were divided into blank control， Aβ_25-35， S-AR， EX527 ［silent information regulator 1 （SIRT1） inhibitor］， and S-AR+EX527 groups. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of CD16， CD206， and high-mobility group box 1 （HMGB1）. Western blot analysis was performed to measure the protein expression of CD16， inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS）， CD206， arginase （Arg）， and proteins related to the SIRT1/HMGB1/nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway. ResultsIn vivo experiments showed that， compared with the sham-operated group， the model group exhibited reduced platform crossings and time spent in the target quadrant （P<0.01）， prolonged escape latency， increased hippocampal neuronal apoptosis （P<0.01）， and obvious hippocampal damage. The expression levels of IL-6， TNF-α， IL-10， CD16， and iNOS in brain tissues were significantly elevated （P<0.01）， while CD206 and Arg protein expression showed an increasing trend without statistical significance. Compared with the model group， all AR-treated groups significantly increased platform crossings and target quadrant time （P<0.05， P<0.01）， alleviated hippocampal damage， reduced escape latency and neuronal apoptosis， downregulated the expression of TNF-α， IL-6， CD16， and iNOS （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and upregulated the expression of IL-10， CD206 and Arg （P<0.05， P<0.01）. In vitro experiments demonstrated that， compared with the blank control group， the Aβ_25-35 group showed increased fluorescence intensity of CD206， CD16， and HMGB1， as well as elevated protein expression of iNOS and CD16 （P<0.01）， while CD206 and Arg protein expression exhibited an increasing trend without statistical significance. After S-AR intervention， CD206 fluorescence intensity and the protein expression of Arg and CD206 were significantly increased （P<0.01）， whereas the fluorescence intensity of CD16 and HMGB1 and the protein expression of iNOS and CD16 were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. These effects were reversed by EX527 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Furthermore， compared with the blank control group， the Aβ_25-35 group showed significantly increased cytoplasmic HMGB1 expression and p-p65/p65 ratio （P<0.01）， along with significantly decreased SIRT1 and nuclear HMGB1 expression （P<0.01）. In contrast， the S-AR group exhibited opposite trends compared with the Aβ_25-35 group， and the regulatory effects of S-AR on these proteins were reversed by EX527 （P<0.01）. ConclusionAR exerts neuroprotective effects in AD model rats by regulating microglial polarization and alleviating neuroinflammation， potentially through modulation of the SIRT1/HMGB1/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(anti-VEGF)therapy has been widely used, but the variability in its therapeutic efficacy limits individualized treatment. In recent years, the application of artificial intelligence(AI)has opened up new avenues for personalized treatment response prediction, and its core branches include machine learning(ML)and deep learning(DL). This review systematically retrieved and analyzed 41 relevant studies published up to April 2025. Comprehensive analysis reveals that AI predictive models are evolving from forecasting single endpoints(such as visual acuity or central retinal thickness)to integrating multi-dimensional endpoints(encompassing anatomical, functional, and treatment demand parameters)and generating predictive imaging outputs. In terms of technical approaches, DL models(28 studies, accounting for 68.3%)dominate this field due to their robust image interpretation capabilities, while ML models(10 studies, 24.4%)retain significant value in the analysis of structured clinical data. Cross-disease comparisons indicate that research efforts are most concentrated on age-related macular degeneration(ARMD)and diabetic macular edema(DME), with shared conceptual frameworks for model construction, yet distinct anatomical and functional indicators are prioritized for each disease. Currently, the field confronts several key challenges, including insufficient prospective clinical validation, limited model interpretability(the “black box problem”), and a scarcity of high-quality multi-center datasets. Moving forward, it is imperative to advance real-world validation and develop explainable AI techniques to expedite the clinical translation of these predictive models.

Background Both productive dust and noise are occupational hazards, and each can induce changes in blood glucose levels among workers. Objective To explore the potential interactive effects of exposure to productive dust and noise on the risk of hyperglycemia among automobile manufacturing workers. Methods Using a cluster sampling method, workers undergoing occupational health examination from three automobile manufacturing plants in Wuhan in 2022 were selected. Basic information was collected using a questionnaire designed by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Exposure history was obtained through occupational history interviews. Clinic indicators such as blood pressure, blood lipids, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and fatty liver status, were retrieved from examination records. Hyperglycemia was defined as FBG > 6.1 mmol·L^-1. Logistic regression models analyzed the independent effects of occupational noise and dust exposure, while additive and multiplicative interaction models assessed their interactive effects on hyperglycemia. Results The prevalence of hyperglycemia among the 1223 participants was 7.7%. Logistic regression showed that using workers without exposure as reference, the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for hyperglycemia among workers exposed only to dust, only to noise, and to both were 2.15 (1.90, 4.23), 2.23 (1.40, 5.08), and 3.75 (1.95, 7.24), respectively. A linear association was observed between the duration of noise exposure and blood glucose levels (P<0.05). Interaction analysis showed no multiplicative interaction or additive interaction. Conclusion Exposure to productive dust and noise are independent risk factors for hyperglycemia among workers. While both contribute to increased risk, no significant synergistic interaction is observed.

Objective:To investigate the role and mechanism of IL-17 in hypertensive heart failure in rats.Methods:The spon-taneously hypertensive(SHR)model of hypertensive heart failure was established by abdominal aortic ligation.IL-17+IgG and IL-17 protein were injected intraperitoneally into the rats with hypertensive heart failure.After 4 weeks,cardiac structure and function were monitored,and peripheral blood and myocardial tissue were collected.The role and mechanism of IL-17 in hypertensive heart failure were studied by HE staining,immunohistochemistry,Western blot,qRT-PCR and ELISA.Results:After intraperitoneal injection of exogenous IL-17,the levels of IL-17,NT-proBNP,P38 and MK2 protein expressions were increased,and the levels of VEGF and Cav1.2 protein expression were decreased.Exogenous intraperitoneal injection of IL-17+IgG blocked IL-17,increased VEGF level and Cav1.2 protein expression,and decreased NT-proBNP level,P38 and MK2 protein expressions.Conclusion:IL-17 can be activated P38 lightning/MK2-Cav1.2 signaling pathways involved in high blood pressure,heart failure and cardiac function in rats damage;inhi-bition of IL-17 can effectively improve the cardiac function damage caused by hypertensive heart failure.

Objective To develop a predictive model for assessment of the risk of the patients on prolonged mechanical ventilation after coronary artery bypass grafting with extracorporeal circulation.Methods A convenience sampling method was employed to select 2 334 patients who received the coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG)with extracorporeal circulation in our hospital from January 2021 to December 2023 as the study subjects.Preoperative,intraoperative and postoperative data were collected through structured queries from the electronic medical record system of hospital.The study subjects were randomly divided into a training set(n=1 633)and a validation set(n=701)following a 3:1 ratio.A risk prediction model was established using Logistic regression based on the training set data.Model fit was assessed using Hosmer-Lemeshow test,and predictive performance of the model was evaluated with the area under curve(AUC)of the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results A total of 2,334 patients were included,of whom 215(9.2%)experienced the prolonged mechanical ventilation(>24 hours).The model developed from the training set identified seven factors that contributed to a prolonged mechanical ventilation:age(OR=1.03),body mass index(BMI,OR=1.14),time of extracorporeal circulation(OR=1.01),intraoperative blood transfusion(OR=4.15),postoperative serum total bilirubin(OR=1.08),postoperative serum albumin(OR=0.92)and postoperative re-sternotomy(OR=5.49).The AUC of the model for prediction of prolonged mechanical ventilation after CABG with extracorporeal circulation was 0.761,with a 95%CI of 0.716-0.806,a maximum Youden index of 0.105,a sensitivity of 77.94%,and a specificity of 64.38%.Validation using the validation set data yielded an AUC of 0.733,with a 95%CI of 0.662-0.804,a sensitivity of 75.32%,a specificity of 57.97%,and a predictive accuracy of 73.61%.Conclusion The risk prediction model developed in this study for prolonged mechanical ventilation after a CABG with extracorporeal circulation demonstrates a good predictive performance.It provides a reference for the nurses to identify the patient in high-risk of prolonged mechanical ventilation after a CABG with extracorporeal circulation and to implement preventive nursing measures.

Arthroscopic surgery currently faces challenges such as limited intraoperative visibility and high technical demands, resulting in a particularly steep learning curve. However, traditional teaching methods at present also present problems including significant operational risks, high learning costs, and ethical dilemmas associated. This has created an urgent need among surgeons for a more efficient and economical training approach. Recent advancements in virtual reality technology have created high-fidelity virtual environments which allow surgeon users to undergo immersive surgical training within simulated settings, offering novel perspectives for standardised arthroscopic skills training. This review systematically summarises the current application progress, technical challenges, and potential future directions of virtual reality arthroscopy simulators, focusing on their technical architecture, characteristics, and advantages. We aim to provide a theoretical basis for the technical standardisation and clinical translation of virtual reality technology in the field of arthroscopic surgical training.

Objective To summarize and analyze the clinical efficacy of negative pressure suction bell in the treatment of young children (≤6 years) with pectus excavatum. Methods The relevant clinical medical records of the children with pectus excavatum who received negative pressure suction bell treatment in the Outpatient Department of Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from May 2019 to January 2023 were collected. The age, sex, type, severity, depth of depression, duration of use and prognosis of children with pectus excavatum were retrospectively analyzed. Results A total of 100 pediatric patients were ultimately included in the study, comprising 74 males and 26 females. The age distribution was 57 patients aged 0-3 years and 43 patients aged 3-6 years. All patients were prescribed and used a negative pressure suction device for at least 3 months, after which they returned to our department's outpatient clinic for follow-up. The treatment demonstrated clinical effectiveness in 99 patients, yielding an efficacy rate of 99.00%. The excellent/good rate was 52.00%, and the complication rate was 8.00%. After treatment, the Haller index and the depth of sternal depression were reduced compared with those before treatment (P<0.001), and there was no statistical difference in the effective rate and excellent/good rate between different genders, different ages, different types of pectus excavatum, or different severity (P＞0.05). Conclusion Negative pressure suction bell is safe and effective in the treatment of young children (≤6 years) with pectus excavatum, and the correction effect has nothing to do with gender, type and severity.

Objectives:To explore the therapeutic efficacy of balloon stent kissing technique(BSKT)and jailing wire technique(JWT)in patients with true bifurcation lesions of the left anterior descending branch-diagonal branch of the coronary artery,and to observe the impact of these two interventional procedures on the lumen area,angina symptoms,cardiac function,myocardial injury,and myocardial perfusion of patients.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted in 203 patients with true bifurcation lesions of the left anterior descending branch-diagonal branch who underwent BSKT and JWT procedures and completed a 6-month follow-up in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at Shijiazhuang People's Hospital from January 2022 to January 2024.Patients were randomly assigned to the BSKT group(n=107)or the JWT group(n=96).The safety,efficacy,and myocardial perfusion indicators of the two groups were compared.Results:The minimum lumen area measured by intravascular ultrasound immediately after procedure,the Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina classification at 6 months post-intervention,the total score of resting+stress myocardial perfusion at 6 months post-intervention,the total number of segments with resting+stress myocardial ischemia,and the abnormal myocardial perfusion area in both the BSKT group and JWT group were significantly improved compared to baseline values(all P<0.05).In the BSKT group,87 cases(81.3%)achieved immediate success in stent placement,whereas in the JWT group,64 cases(66.7%)achieved immediate success in stent placement.The BSKT group significantly outperformed the JWT group.In terms of the myocardial injury and cardiac function indicators assessed on postoperative day 1,the cardiac troponin I level([0.22±0.13]ng/ml vs.[0.45±0.27]ng/ml,P<0.001),creatine kinase MB([35.24±13.15]U/L vs.[42.39±21.66]U/L,P=0.004),and B-type natriuretic peptide([133.52±25.62]pg/ml vs.[167.22±22.04]pg/ml,P<0.001)were all significantly lower in the BSKT group than in the JWT group.In terms of the myocardial perfusion indicators at 6 months post-intervention,the number of ischemic segments under stress(3.23±1.54 vs.3.87±1.62,P=0.004),the total score of stress perfusion(4.18±2.21 vs.4.97±2.96,P=0.031),and the abnormal myocardial perfusion area([7.04±3.27]%vs.[8.24±3.69]%,P=0.014)were all significantly lower in the BSKT group than in the JWT group.Conclusions:Both BSKT and JWT procedures can significantly improve the lumen area of the left anterior descending branch,angina symptoms,and myocardial perfusion in patients with true bifurcation lesions of the left anterior descending branch-diagonal branch.The BSKT procedure provides more adequate protection for the bifurcation vessels compared to the JWT procedure.

Objective:To investigate the role and mechanism of IL-17 in hypertensive heart failure in rats.Methods:The spon-taneously hypertensive(SHR)model of hypertensive heart failure was established by abdominal aortic ligation.IL-17+IgG and IL-17 protein were injected intraperitoneally into the rats with hypertensive heart failure.After 4 weeks,cardiac structure and function were monitored,and peripheral blood and myocardial tissue were collected.The role and mechanism of IL-17 in hypertensive heart failure were studied by HE staining,immunohistochemistry,Western blot,qRT-PCR and ELISA.Results:After intraperitoneal injection of exogenous IL-17,the levels of IL-17,NT-proBNP,P38 and MK2 protein expressions were increased,and the levels of VEGF and Cav1.2 protein expression were decreased.Exogenous intraperitoneal injection of IL-17+IgG blocked IL-17,increased VEGF level and Cav1.2 protein expression,and decreased NT-proBNP level,P38 and MK2 protein expressions.Conclusion:IL-17 can be activated P38 lightning/MK2-Cav1.2 signaling pathways involved in high blood pressure,heart failure and cardiac function in rats damage;inhi-bition of IL-17 can effectively improve the cardiac function damage caused by hypertensive heart failure.

Practice-oriented education is an important link in cultivating qualified builders and reliable successors of socialism， and it is particularly important for cultivating high-quality talents in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. Practice-oriented education is a vital part in improving college students’ ideological and political literacy， an important measure for TCM colleges and universities to promote the inheritance and innovation of TCM culture， and a significant pathway to cultivate high-quality TCM talents. The prominent issues of practice-oriented education in TCM colleges and universities are that the small ideological and political classroom is not closely integrated with the large classroom of society， the characteristics of TCM culture are not highlighted， and the current situation of practice-based construction does not match the needs of talent cultivation. Based on systematic thinking， the construction of a collaborative education of TCM culture and red culture should start from the following four aspects： cultural integration-cultivating ideological and political education and ideological and political theory courses of TCM culture； medical and educational collaboration-leveraging the synergistic educational effect of clinical practice； practice reinforcement-integrating the small classroom of ideological and political education into the big classroom of society； and “double innovation” promotion-creating an educational environment for innovation and entrepreneurship of TCM.